CAUT seeks release of Esmail Abdi

The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) has written to Iranian leader Ayatollah Sayed ‘Ali Khamenei to ask for immediate release of Mr. Esmail Abdi, General Secretary of the Tehran Teacher Trade Association.

“The blatant disregard for Mr. Abdi’s rights to freedom of association, expression and the right to travel contravenes the central tenets of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a convention to which Iran is a signatory,” wrote CAUT executive director David Robinson.

Mr. Abdi was singled out for his leadership role and legitimate participation in trade union activities, apprehended on false charges and sentenced to six years in Iran’s notorious Evin prison, where he’s been on a hunger strike since April 30.

Mr. Abdi’s condition is reportedly deteriorating, and he is not allowed to communicate with a lawyer or family members. CAUT’s letter calls for all charges to be dropped and for his immediate release.